The dispute centres around plans to reduce conductor roles on the new fleet of trains due to come into operation in the autumn of 2017 which would see drivers take control of doors, leaving conductors to check tickets. Abellio/ScotRail claims 59 per cent of its customers already travel on a trains which have their doors opened and closed by the driver.

The RMT union fears the introduction of driver-operated doors will “water down and wipe out the safety critical role of the guard on these ScotRail services”.

The union is planning further strikes on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.